Energy Store

The Energy Store (ES) is the bridge between F1's two energy worlds: the combustion side (ICE, turbo) and the electrical side (MGU-K, MGU-H). Its design is governed by strict FIA regulations covering energy capacity, discharge rates, and safety — because a high-voltage battery failure at race speeds is a different category of risk.

Chemistry

Teams use lithium-ion cells similar in chemistry to EV road car batteries — but engineered for a very different duty cycle. Road car batteries optimize for maximum energy density and cycle life (1000s of charges). F1 batteries optimize for peak power density (charge and discharge rates), thermal performance, and weight, accepting a shorter total lifespan.

Thermal Management

Heat is the primary enemy. F1 batteries typically operate in the 20-45°C range for optimal performance, but a Grand Prix generates enormous heat loading — particularly in warm climates. Each team develops a bespoke liquid cooling circuit that wraps around the cell modules, plumbed into the car's main cooling system.

Safety Architecture

An F1 battery is rated at up to 1,000V — enough to be immediately fatal. Strict regulations mandate automatic disconnection under accident conditions, physical isolation from fuel systems, and specific survival cell installation criteria. The entire FIA battery approval process mirrors that used for aerospace applications.

2026 Enlargement

The 2026 regulations increase the permitted energy store capacity, enabling the larger MGU-K output to be sustained for longer periods. The battery is now effectively the car's "fuel tank" for electrical power — and teams will optimize deployment strategy around its state of charge as carefully as fuel loads.